New Delhi, June 6 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said it was wonderful being among the people of Surat and added that the vibrant city had collectively reaffirmed its commitment to making India strong and self-reliant.

Taking to social media platform X, PM Modi said, “It was wonderful being among the people of Surat yesterday. From this vibrant city, we collectively reiterated our commitment to making India strong and self-reliant.”

The Prime Minister also shared a two-minute video in which people were heard chanting “Modi, Modi.”

In the video, PM Modi said, “I believe that Surat is not only a city but also a spirit. Our resolution is to make ‘Viksit Surat’ as well as ‘Viksit Bharat’.”

He highlighted the importance of energy self-reliance in the context of the ongoing global crisis and said the concept of Aatmanirbhar Bharat becomes clearer when seen in industrial hubs like Hazira.

“In the way there is a global crisis going on, it shows that in the matter of energy, Aatmanirbharta is important. The meaning of Aatmanirbhar Bharat becomes clear when you go into Hazira. It is not only an industrial region but has become an ecosystem where energy, steel, defence production, and global trade are integrated. Hazira is being developed as the biggest maritime hub. It is becoming a centre of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.

The Prime Minister also said that despite pessimistic voices, India continues to move forward with confidence and optimism.

“In this country, there are some pessimistic people who mock the Aatmanirbhar Bharat campaign. India is far from negativity. This country is a land full of hope. The people of India are full of dreams and determination. When the people of the country are determined, all dreams and goals can be achieved. That is the strength of this nation,” he added.

Earlier on Friday, Prime Minister Modi praised Surat’s residents for their continued efforts to improve cleanliness and civic participation after inaugurating and launching major infrastructure and development projects worth around Rs 18,800 crore in the city.

In a post on social media platform X following his visit, PM Modi described Surat as “more than a city” and said its character was reflected in the energy and determination of its people.

“It is a delight to have been in Surat and to inaugurate key development works. I have always believed that Surat is more than a city…it is a spirit. This spirit is seen in the dynamism of the people here,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the city’s transformation over the years, PM Modi noted that Surat, once associated with a devastating plague outbreak, had become known nationally for its cleanliness standards. “A city that was once known for a massive plague is now known for cleanliness,” he said.

The Prime Minister said local efforts to improve sanitation had continued despite the city’s achievements in the field.

“What is noteworthy is that the recent strides in cleanliness have not made the people of Surat complacent. On the contrary, they are working even harder to boost Swachhata,” he wrote.

PM Modi said he had been informed that residents had participated in numerous cleanliness campaigns in the days leading up to World Environment Day.

–IANS

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